52-missing-1-200-homes-damaged-as-rain-lashes-himachal

Relentless heavy rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, bringing with them a trail of destruction. From cloudbursts and flash floods to landslides, the state is reeling under the impact of extreme weather.

 

Ongoing heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh has caused major destruction and badly affected daily life across the state. Cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides have led to serious damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure.

 

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi confirmed that more than 1,200 homes—both permanent and temporary—have been damaged, and at least 52 people are still missing. The estimated losses so far have crossed ₹700 crore. Relief operations are underway on a war footing, with rescue teams working round the clock in the worst-hit regions.

 

Mandi district has suffered the most, reporting 19 deaths and damage to 466 houses, 457 cowsheds, and 92 shops. Around 466 animals have also died in the devastation. A series of cloudbursts on the night of June 30 only made things worse.

 

Fortunately, due to the efforts of rescue teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP, over 220 people have been rescued from remote and cut-off areas.

 

Among the most notable operations were two ITBP teams reaching the villages of Jhugandh and Dhaniyar in Thunag, which had lost all contact after the disaster. In another heartbreaking update, the body of Lalit Kumar, who went missing during the floods, was recovered near the Satluj River in Karsog after eight days.

 

Basic services in many areas remain disrupted. As of now, 202 roads, 217 power transformers, and 143 water supply schemes are still out of service. In Mandi alone, 291 water systems are down. Authorities are prioritizing the restoration of essential services.

 

The IMD has forecast more rain till July 15, with light to moderate showers expected on July 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15. Rain will be scattered on July 11 and 12. Temperatures are likely to remain stable during this period. In the last 24 hours, Nahan saw the highest rainfall at 70 mm, followed by Nangal Dam (36 mm), Dhaulakuan and Dehra Gopipur (29 mm), and Olinda (27.6 mm).

 

Minister Negi assured the public that the government is fully committed to supporting the affected families and is working tirelessly to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation across the state.